Aspects of the subject disclosure provide a reader device for processing payment cards. The reader device is configured to harvest power from received audio signals, for example, from analog signals received on an audio bus, such as a standard 3.5 mm audio channel. In some implementations, a reader of the current technology includes a microcontroller configured to perform operations including receiving an audio signal from the host via the audio bus, analyzing the audio signal to determine when a voltage of the audio signal is negative and providing a reference signal to the power module, wherein the reference signal indicates time periods in which synchronous rectification is to be performed by the power module.
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1. A reader for receiving payment card information to facilitate a financial transaction, the reader comprising: an audio bus coupled to an audio plug, wherein the audio plug is configured for coupling with a headphone port of a host device to provide communication between the reader and the host device during a financial transaction in which the reader receives payment card information from a payment card and provides the payment card information to the host device via the audio plug; a power module coupled to the audio bus, wherein the power module is configured to perform synchronous rectification on audio signals received via the audio bus using one or more transistors of the power module to provide power to the reader during the financial transaction; and a microcontroller coupled to the audio bus and the power module, wherein the microcontroller is configured to perform operations for: receiving an audio signal from the host device via the audio bus; analyzing the audio signal to determine when a voltage of the audio signal is negative; and providing a control signal to the power module based on the analysis of the audio signal, wherein the control signal indicates when synchronous rectification is to be performed by the power module.
A payment card reader facilitates financial transactions by harvesting power from a host device's audio port. The reader connects to the host via an audio plug, enabling communication. A power module, connected to the audio bus, uses transistors to perform synchronous rectification on audio signals received from the host, converting them into usable power. A microcontroller analyzes the incoming audio signal to detect negative voltage periods. Based on this analysis, the microcontroller sends a control signal to the power module, instructing it when to perform synchronous rectification, thus powering the reader during the transaction.
2. The reader of claim 1 , wherein the power module is configured to output DC power to the microcontroller.
The payment card reader described previously includes a power module that, after rectifying the audio signal, outputs DC power directly to the microcontroller to operate it. This eliminates the need for an external power source for the microcontroller. The reader harvests power from the host audio port, converts it to DC, and supplies it to the microcontroller.
3. The reader of claim 1 , further comprising: a power storage device coupled to the microcontroller and the power module, wherein the power module is configured to output DC power to the power storage device.
The payment card reader described previously incorporates a power storage device (like a capacitor or battery) connected to both the microcontroller and the power module. The power module outputs DC power to this storage device. This allows the reader to store harvested power for later use, enabling it to operate even when the audio signal from the host is intermittent or unavailable, and provides a more stable power supply.
4. A method for powering a reader for receiving payment card information to facilitate a financial transaction, the method comprising: receiving, by a power module, an audio signal transmitted by a host via an audio bus; analyzing the audio signal, using a microcontroller, to determine when a voltage of the audio signal is negative; and providing a control signal from the microcontroller to the power module based on the analysis of the audio signal, wherein the control signal indicates time periods in which synchronous rectification is to be performed on the audio signal using one or more transistors of the power module.
A method for powering a payment card reader involves receiving an audio signal from a host device via an audio bus. A microcontroller analyzes this signal to identify periods of negative voltage. Based on this analysis, the microcontroller sends a control signal to a power module. The power module then performs synchronous rectification on the audio signal during the indicated time periods, using transistors, to convert the audio signal into usable power for the reader.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the power module is configured to output DC power to the microcontroller.
The method of powering a payment card reader described previously includes the power module outputting DC power directly to the microcontroller. This DC power is generated from the rectified audio signal, enabling the microcontroller to operate without a separate power source. The harvested power is converted to DC and supplies it to the microcontroller.
6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the power module is configured to output DC power to a power storage device coupled to the power module and the microcontroller.
The method of powering a payment card reader described previously includes the power module outputting DC power to a power storage device that is connected to both the power module and the microcontroller. This allows the reader to store harvested power from the audio signal for later use, improving reliability and allowing operation even with intermittent audio input from the host device.
7. The method of claim 4 , wherein the microcontroller is configured to detect a power level of a power storage device.
In the method of powering a card reader via audio signal, the microcontroller monitors the power level of a connected power storage device (e.g., battery or capacitor). This allows the microcontroller to intelligently manage power consumption and charging, ensuring the reader remains operational even with fluctuating audio input from the host device.
8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising: detecting, by the microcontroller, a low power state of the power storage device based on the power level of the power storage device; and causing the power module to supply power to the power storage device, in response to the low power state.
Building upon the method where the microcontroller monitors a power storage device, the microcontroller detects when the power level of the storage device is low. In response to this low power state, the microcontroller signals the power module to supply power to the power storage device, effectively initiating a charging cycle to replenish the stored energy and prevent the card reader from shutting down.
9. The method of claim 4 , further comprising: adjusting a ground state voltage of the microcontroller based on the audio signal.
The method of powering a card reader via audio signal includes adjusting the ground state voltage of the microcontroller based on the characteristics of the received audio signal. This adaptive ground voltage adjustment helps to optimize power harvesting efficiency and maintain stable operation of the microcontroller despite variations in the audio signal's amplitude or noise levels.
10. The method of claim 4 , further comprising: receiving power at a card reader from a power storage device; reading, using the card reader, payment information from a payment card; and providing the payment information to the microcontroller.
The method of powering a card reader via audio signal involves receiving power from a power storage device at the card reader. The card reader then uses this power to read payment information from a payment card (magnetic stripe or chip). Finally, the card reader transmits the read payment information to the microcontroller for processing or forwarding to the host device.
11. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored therein, which when executed by one or more processors, cause the processors to perform operations comprising: analyzing an audio signal, using a microcontroller, to determine when a voltage of the audio signal is negative; and providing a control signal from the microcontroller to a power module based on the analysis of the audio signal, wherein the control signal indicates time periods in which synchronous rectification is to be performed using one or more transistors of the power module.
A computer-readable storage medium contains instructions that, when executed, cause a microcontroller to analyze an audio signal to determine when the voltage is negative. Based on this analysis, the microcontroller sends a control signal to a power module. This control signal dictates when the power module should perform synchronous rectification using transistors. The purpose is to convert the audio signal into power to operate the card reader.
12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 11 , wherein the power module is configured to output DC power to the microcontroller.
The computer-readable storage medium described previously, where the microcontroller controls power rectification, also causes the power module to output DC power directly to the microcontroller. This eliminates the need for an external power supply for the microcontroller, enabling it to operate solely on harvested power from the audio signal.
13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 11 , wherein the power module is configured to output DC power to a power storage device coupled to the power module and the microcontroller.
This invention relates to a power management system for electronic devices, particularly for managing power distribution and storage in portable or battery-powered systems. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently distributing power from a power source to multiple components while ensuring stable operation and energy storage. The system includes a power module that receives input power and converts it into a regulated DC output. This DC power is supplied to a power storage device, such as a battery or capacitor, which stores energy for later use. The power module is controlled by a microcontroller that monitors power conditions and adjusts the output accordingly. The microcontroller ensures that the power storage device is charged or discharged as needed, maintaining system stability and optimizing energy usage. The system may also include additional components, such as sensors or communication interfaces, to enhance functionality. The invention aims to improve power efficiency, reliability, and adaptability in electronic devices by dynamically managing power flow between the source, storage, and load.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 11 , wherein the microcontroller is configured to detect a power level of a power storage device.
In the computer-readable storage medium previously described, the microcontroller is configured to monitor the power level of a connected power storage device. This allows for intelligent power management, such as preventing over-discharge or initiating charging when the power level is low.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 14 , wherein the microcontroller is further configured to perform operations comprising: detecting a low power state of the power storage device based on the power level; and causing the power module to supply power to the power storage device, in response to the low power state.
The computer-readable storage medium described previously includes instructions for the microcontroller to detect a low power state of the power storage device based on its power level. Upon detecting this low power state, the microcontroller then instructs the power module to supply power to the power storage device, effectively initiating a recharge process.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 11 , the instructions further comprising: adjusting a ground state voltage of the microcontroller based on the audio signal.
The computer-readable storage medium described previously, where the microcontroller controls power rectification, also contains instructions for adjusting the ground state voltage of the microcontroller based on the characteristics of the received audio signal. This allows the system to optimize power harvesting efficiency and ensure stable operation of the microcontroller.
17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 11 , the instructions further comprising: receiving power at a card reader from a power storage device; reading, using the card reader, payment information from a payment card; and providing the payment information to the microcontroller.
The computer-readable storage medium, containing instructions for analyzing audio signals for power harvesting, further includes instructions for: receiving power at a card reader from a power storage device; using the card reader to read payment information from a payment card; and then providing that payment information to the microcontroller for processing.
18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17 , wherein the payment card comprises a magnetic stripe payment card.
In the computer-readable storage medium for power harvesting and payment processing, the payment card from which information is read is specifically a magnetic stripe payment card. The reader is configured to read the magnetic stripe and transmit the card data to the microcontroller after being powered by harvested audio signal.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 17 , wherein the payment card comprises an integrated circuit (IC) type payment card.
In the computer-readable storage medium for power harvesting and payment processing, the payment card from which information is read is an integrated circuit (IC) type payment card (chip card). The reader interfaces with the IC chip to read card data and then transmits the data to the microcontroller, all while being powered by harvested audio signal.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 19 , wherein the payment card comprises data conforming to a Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV) standard.
In the computer-readable storage medium for power harvesting and payment processing with IC cards, the payment card specifically contains data conforming to the Europay, MasterCard, and Visa (EMV) standard, which defines the interaction between chip cards and payment terminals for secure transactions. The card reader harvests power to enable communication with and reading of data from EMV-compliant cards.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
June 16, 2014
April 25, 2017
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